What are the symptoms?

In type 1 diabetes, people often develop symptoms over a short period of time, usually weeks or months. They feel tired, thirsty all the time, need to urinate a lot and may lose weight.

Itching of the genitals or regular episodes of thrush or blurred vision may also occur.

In type 2 diabetes, symptoms develop slowly or there might not be any symptoms at all.

When blood sugar levels become very high, there's a risk of coma and death.

Diabetes that isn't controlled can cause many serious long-term problems. Excess glucose in the blood can damage the blood vessels, contributing to heart disease, strokes, kidney disease, impotence and nerve damage.

Uncontrolled diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in people of working age. People with diabetes are also 15 per cent more likely to have an amputation than people without the condition.

In most cases, it's possible to reduce the risk of such complications by following medical advice and keeping diabetes under control. It's vitally important for people with diabetes to check their glucose levels regularly at home and to attend hospital check-ups, so any problems can be detected and treated early.